Ink applicator for typewriter ribbons



March 11, 1952 o. w. MARKES INK APPLICATOR FOR TYPEWRITER RIBBONS Filed June 18, 1947 INVEN TOR. 0/?1196'0 6U. MAR/'5.

M TORNEY. i

Patented Mar. 11, 1952 INK APPLICATOR FOR TYPEWRITER RIBBONS Orland W. Markes, Detroit, Mich.

Application J'une 18, 1947, Serial No. 755,522

9 Claims. (Cl. 118-260) My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in an ink applicator for writing ribbons which are wound onto a reel and wound on of a reel and adapted to pass before type which make the impression through the ribbon. This type of ribbon is commonly used on various writing machines, such as, calculating machines,

adding machines, bookkeeping machines, typewriters, etc.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink applicator of this class which will be simple in structure, economical of manufacture, durable, compact, easily and quickly installed and highly efficient in use.

Another obiect of the invention is the provis on in an ink applicator of this class of a reservoir having a closure for its open end and provided with a filling opening inwardly from its open end so that as the closure is raised outwardly sufliciently to clear the filling opening, the reservoir may be filled while the closure is still in closing position.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of this class of an applying wick extended through a passage or tube of slightly larg r inside diameter than the outside diameter of the wick and provided with means on its inner end for preventing spilling or leakage of ink outwardly around the wick.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of this class of a reservoir and a closure or stopper therefor so constructed and arranged that entry of air into the reservoir may be readily obtained, thus, facilitating the flow of ink and, also, facilitating the filling of the reservoir in that the air within the reservoir may be permitted to escape.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of this class of a retainer or holder so constructed and arranged that it will bear against the reservoir at sepa rated points to facilitate easy rotating of the reservoir in its retainer.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of a reservoir rotatably mounted and having a stopper mounted therein which is rotatable relatively thereto and with which the wick at the applying point will also rotate.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of this class of a wick supporting tube having its end terminating flush with the end of the wick and cut on a diagonal to expose a. portion of the wick for applying purposes.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of a reservoir and a stopper so arranged and constructed that thereservoir may be moved vertically and adjusted to various positions and the stopped itself which carries the applying wick may also be moved vertically relatively to the reservoir, thus affording two means of vertical adjustment.

Another object of the invention is the provision in an ink applicator of a reservoir formed from transparent material and having a liquid level indicator thereon so'that the user may, through visual inspection, determine the quantity of ink contained within the reservoir.

Another object of the invention is the provi-' sion in an ink applicator of this class of means for engaging and limiting the spout of a filling tube when inserted through the opening formed in the reservoir.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

It is recognized that various modifications and changes may be made in the detail of structure illustrated without departing from the invention and it is intended that such shall be embraced within the scope of the claims which form a part hereof.

Forming a part of this specification are drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a machine showing the invention applied,

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention,

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the invention,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the invention showing the parts in separated relation,

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal, central, sectional view of the invention showing the stopper moved to position to permit filling of the reservoir,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectionalview taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 'l-| of Fig. 3, I

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary, elevational view of a slight modification,

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, elevational view of a slight modification of a wick used in the invention.

In the drawings, I have indicated a supporting arm ll having the angularly turned portion [2 at its lower end provided with an opening l3 through which a screw may be projected for fastening the supporting arm to a suitable support on a machine which used. Carried by the upper end of the supporting arm is a pair of semieach of which is pressed inwardly to provide a bead or tit I6 which bears against a reservoir II. This reservoir is preferably formed from trans-- parent plastic or any other suitable transparent material so that the quantity of ink in the reservoir may always be ascertained by visual inspection, the. space 38, between the members I4 and I5, affording. sufiicient space for inspecting purposes. Formed on this reservoir is a line I8 which indicates the normal ink level of the reservoir. This reservoir is provided with a lateral opening I9 adjacent its upper end.

A stopper is provided embodying the portion 20 which extends inwardly of the open end of the reservoir and when fully closed extends beyond the opening I9. This stopper 2% is provided at its upper end with a flange 2I which is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the reservoir so that the reservoir may be lowered in the retaining members I4 and If: to a position where the upper face of the cap is extended belowxthe 'upp'er' edges of the members I4 and; I5.

-Fixed to and projecting downwardly from the stopper 2!! is a tube 22 having the lateral opening 23 formed therein. This tube 22 is in align ment with the bore 39 formed through the stopper 20. Fixed. to and projecting upwardly from and thence laterally turned relatively to the stopper 20 is a wick supporting tube 26. The bore 39 and'the tube 22, as well as the tube 26, is of a larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of the wick 24 whichis extended therethrough. Consequently, there is a space around the Wick, as clearly appears in Fig. 8, excepting at its lower end which is provided with a pad 25 of cotton batting or other suitable material which serves. to entirely fill the tube 22 so as to prevent leakage of ink through this space. This packing 25 is. positioned below the opening 23. The wick, at its outer end, terminates flush with the end of the tube 26 and the end of the tube 26 is diagonally cut awayat one side as at 21 to expose one side of the wick 28 which may be brought into engagement with the inking roller 29. The wick, at the cut away portion 21 and at which the applying portion 28 appears, is fused or glued to the end of the tube 21.

In use, the device is mounted on the machine with which used and the reservoir or the stopper 20 vertically adjusted to the proper position so that the exposed portion 28 of the wick may engage against the inking roller 29 against which travels one face of the ribbon 30 which unwinds from the reel 3i and which passes in contactwith the guide rollers 32 and 33. Experience has shown' that by properly inking the roller in this manner a more desirable form of writing is obtained and, particularly, the one which is more clearly, legible. Experience has also shown that the life of the ribbon is greatly prolonged by maintaining the same in a properly inked condition.

The reservoir may be rotated in the members I4 and I and slid vertically and while this reservoir is firmly held in position, due to the fact that only separated points bear against the reservoir, a free and easy moving is thus made possible. By moving this stopper 20 upwardly and downwardly while it is functioning as a stopper of the reservoir, vertical adjustment may thus be effectedindependently of the vertical adjustment of "the reservoiritself. The stopper also is rotatable relatively to the reservoir so that there is thus provided a. pair of means for rotative adjustment as well as a pair of means for vertical adjustment.

When it is desired to re-fill the reservoir with ink, the stopper is raised until the inner end clears the opening I9 formed in the reservoir and the spout of the ink containing can or bottle may then be inserted through the opening I9, When in this position, the tube 22 protects the wick 24 and prevents it from'coming into contact with the spout of the ink containing can or bottle and thus being broken. The opening 23 serves as a bleed opening for the air so that an easy filling of the reservoir thus becomes possible even while the closure or stopper 23 is functioning as a closure. In this way, a spilling of ink is avoided. By having' the clearance around the wick, the free travel of the air for filling purposes is made possible. Experience has also shown that this clearance around the wick affords an easier fiow of ink out to the inking portion 28 of the wick; It is believed obvious that the fit of the stopper 20 and the reservoir is a snug one soas to prevent leakage between the stopper and the reservoir when the stopper is in closing position.

In Fig. 9, I have shown a slight modification in which the tube 26a corresponds to the tube 26. Mounted on the end of the tube 26a is a col-. lar 44 having the yoke arms 45 and 45 between which is rotatably mounted a roller 4'! which is contacted by the end 28a of the'wick. This structure is adapted for use where a machine with which used is not provided. with the roller 29. shown in Fig. 1, so that the roller 41 would contact directly against the ribbon 30.

In Fig. 10, I have shown a modification of a wick 240, having the ends split to provide the separated portions 48 and 49 so that aheavier inking of the roller, which is contacted by the wick, may be effected.

What I claim as new is:

1. An ink applicator of the class described; comprising: a reservoir adapted for the reception of ink and havingv one end closed and the other end open and provided with a lateralopening adjacent its open end; a stopper inserted into said open end for closing the same and adapted. upon being thrust inwardly a-predetermined distance, for covering saidlateral opening and, upon being drawn outwardly for uncovering said lat-- eral opening while serving as a closure for the open end of saidreservoir, said stopper having a passage formed therethrough; a tubular member projecting outwardly from the outer end of said stopper and communicating with said pas sage; and a wick extended through said tubular member and through said passage and projecting beyond the inner end of said stopper into said reservoir; and a tubular member projecting inwardly beyond the inner end of said stopper and. embracing said wick and serving as a. protection therefor against articles inserted through said lateral opening upon movement of said stopper to lateral opening uncovering position, the outside diameter of said wick being less than the inside diameter of said tubular member and said passage; and means mounted in the inner end of said second named tubular member around said wick for closing the space between said wick and said tubular member.

2. An ink applicator of the class described, comprising: a reservoir adapted for the reception of ink and having one end closed and the other end open and provided with a lateral opening adjacent its open end; a stopper inserted into said open end for closing the same and adapted.

upon being thrust inwardly a predetermined distance, for covering said lateral opening and, upon being drawn outwardly for uncovering said lateral opening while serving as a closure for the open end of said reservoir, said stopper having a passage formed therethrough; a tubular member projecting outwardly from the outer end of said stopper and communicating with said passage; and a wick extended through said tubular member and through said passage and projecting beyond the inner end of said stopper into said reservoir; and a tubular member projecting inwardly beyond the inner end of said stopper and embracing said wick and serving as a protection therefor against articles inserted through said lateral opening upon movement of said stopper to lateral opening uncovering position, the outside diameter of said wick being less than the inside diameter of said second mentioned tubular member and said passage; and means mounted in the inner end of said second named tubular member around said wick for closing the space between said wick and said tubular member, said second named tubular member having a lateral opening formed therein between the inner end of said stopper and space closing means for establishing communication between the interior of said reservoir and the space in said passage and first named tubular member which surrounds said wick.

3. An ink applicator of the class described, comprising: a transparent reservoir adapted for the reception of ink, one end of said reservoir being open; a stopper for said open end of said reservoir slidable inwardly of said reservoir and rotatable relatively thereto; a wick projecting through said stopper and carried thereby and movable in unison therewith and projecting at its inner end beyond the inner end of said stopper and extending into said reservoir and extending at its outer end beyond the outer of said stopper; an enclosing sheathing for enclosing the major portion of the outer end of said wick and extending radially outwardly from said stopper; a pair of spaced apart supporting members for embracing said reservoir at spaced apart points for supporting the same, said reservoir being rotatable and longitudinally movable in said supporting member, said supporting members being spaced apart sufiiciently for visual inspection of said reservoir.

4. An ink applicator of the class described, comprising an ink containing reservoir open at one end; a stopper for said open end and insertible into the open end of said reservoir and movableinwardly and outwardly thereof and rotatable relatively thereto, said stopper having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and extending beyond opposite ends of said stopper; an enclosing sheathing for the outer end of said wick and extendin radially outwardly from said stopper; a collar mounted on said sheathing; a rotatable roller carried by said collar and contacting the outer end of said wick.

5. In an ink applicator of the class described. an ink containing reservoir open at one end; a stopper for closing said open end and having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and extending beyond opposite ends of said stopper; a tubular member for enclosing the outer end of said wick and extending radially outwardly of said stopper and being rotatable relatively to said reservoir, said outer end of said wick being secured to the tubular member adjacent its end.

6. In an ink applicator of the class described, an ink containing reservoir open at one end; a stopper for closing said open end and having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and extending beyond opposite ends of said stopper; a tubular member for enclosing the outer end of said wick and extending radially outwardly of said stopper and being rotatable relatively to said reservoir, said outer end of said wick being secured to the tubular member adjacent its end, said tubular member being diagonally cut at the end at which said wick is secured for exposing a portion of the length of said wick.

7. In an ink applicator of the class described, an ink containing reservoir open at one end; a stopper for closing said open end and having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and extending beyond opposite ends of said stopper; a tubular member for enclosing the outer end of said wick and extending radially outwardly of said stopper and being rotatable relatively to said reservoir, said outer end of said wick being secured to the tubular member adjacent its end, said tubular member being diagonally cut at the end at which said Wick is secured for exposing a portion of the length of said wick; a tubular member carried by said stopper for enclosing a portion of the wick projecting inwardly of the inner end of said stopper, said passage and said tubular members being of larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of said wick to provide a space between the same and said wick, said second named tubular member having an opening formed therein for establishing communication of said space with the interior of said reservoir.

8. In an ink applicator of the class described, an ink containing reservoir open at one end; a stopper for closing said open end and having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and extending beyond opposite ends of said stopper; a tubular member for enclosing the outer end of said wick, said outer end of said wick being secured to the tubular member adjacent its end, said tubular memher being diagonally cut at the end at which said wick is secured for exposing a portion of the length of said wick; a tubular member carried by said stopper for enclosing a portion of the Wick projecting inwardly of the inner end of said stopper, said passage and said tubular members being of larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of said wick to provide a space between the same and said wick, said second named tubular member having an opening formed therein for establishing communication of said space with the interior of said reservoir; and means for closing said space adjacent the inner end of said second named tubular member.

9. An ink applicator of the class described, comprising: a reservoir open at one end and adapted for reception of ink; a stopper for said open end movable inwardly and outwardly thereof, said reservoir having a filling opening adjacent its open end, said stopper, upon being moved inwardly a pre-determined distance, covering aid opening and upon being moved outwardly a predetermined distance uncovering said opening while serving as a stopper for the open end of said reservoir, said stopper having a passage formed therethrough; a wick projected through said passage and; extended beyond opposite ends of said stopper; a tubular member carried by said stopper and enclosing, the wick projecting beyond the outer end of said stopper; a. tubular member carried by the inner end of said stopper and enclosing a portion of the wick extending beyond the inner end of said stopper and cover-- ing the portion of said wick extending beyond the lateral opening in said reservoir upon movement of said stopper to uncovering position, the outside diameter o-f said wick being less than the inside diameter of said tubular members and said passage to provide a space therein surroundin said Wick, said second named tubular member having a lateral opening therein for establishing communication between said space and the in terior of said reservoir; and means in said second named tubular member for closing said space, therein below the lateral opening formed in said. second named tubular member.

QRLAND W. MARKES.

REFERENCES CITED,

file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Hutchinson Nov. 26, 1872- Owens Dec. 31, 1 912 Doeg Apr. 21, 1914 Axline Sept, 29, 1914 Lilly Jan. 26, 1915 Marvin et al Nov. 9, 1920' Ormes Sept. 20, 1921 Pulson Oct. 2, 1923. Dunaway May 27, 1941 

